Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding is the Southeastern Conference's highest-paid assistant coach, according to a report from the Clarion Ledger's Sam Hutchens.
Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding is the Southeastern Conference’s highest-paid assistant coach, according to a report from the Clarion Ledger’s Sam Hutchens.
The new deal is another nod to Golding’s work in Oxford since arriving in January 2023. Since then, the Rebels have elevated their play defensively.
Golding will be paid $2.55 million for the 2025-26 season, according to documents obtained by the Clarion Ledger. It is part of a new three-year contract signed Feb. 25, 2025.
Under his current deal, Golding’s annual pay will increase to $2.6 million from Feb. 1, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2017. It will increase again to $2.7 million from Feb. 1, 2027 to Jan. 31, 2028.
If Ole Miss wins the SEC Championship Game, Golding earns another $50,000. If the Rebels go on to win the College Football Playoff Championship, he’ll notch a $150,000 bonus.
Last year, Golding made a reported $2.25 million.
Last weekend, Golding’s defense tormented the Ole Miss offense in a scrimmage that head coach Lane Kiffin noted led to some critical errors from quarterback Austin Simmons. It also was a change from the offense usually getting the better of Golding’s defense in the early goings of previous fall camps.
“I think Pete does a phenomenal job of looking at the big picture, the end result, and not trying to win the drill. That means moving guys in different spots, trying different things, so that we get the best unit out there by the time we get to the opening game,” Kiffin said Monday. “So I think a lot of times over time here it’s been the offense (standing out early in camp). So that was good to see the defense. It’d be great to obviously play defense like we did last year.”
Like the Ole Miss offense, Golding’s unit has a lot to replace off last year’s roster. The Rebels led the nation in sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120), with both standing as new program records. The Ole Miss defense stifled opponents to just 80.5 rushing yards per game, which ended the season ranked second in the FBS and was the fewest allowed by a Rebel defense since 1966.
Multiple first round NFL Draft picks like Walter Nolen and Trey Amos are gone as are other draft picks from last year. With a small group of returners, Golding will certainly earn his pay this fall with his new-look group.
Category: General Sports
